Ghanaian Influencer Extradited to U.S. Over $8 Million Romance Scam Targeting Elderly

A Ghanaian influencer, who had been flaunting a luxurious lifestyle featuring high-end cars on social media, has been extradited to the United States on charges of swindling over $8 million (approximately 12 billion won) from elderly Americans through romance scams.

According to local media reports including the BBC and Modern Ghana on July 10 (local time), Frederick Kumi, a Ghanaian influencer with over 100,000 followers under the name "Abu Trica," was transferred to the U.S. the previous day.

Kumi is accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create fake online identities, approaching victims on social media and dating sites, and building trust through intimate conversations before stealing their money.

It is reported that once he deemed he had become close enough with the victims, he would commit fraud by demanding money or valuables under the pretext of urgent medical expenses, travel costs, or investment opportunities.

Kumi was arrested last year following a joint investigation between Ghana and the United States.

The U.S. government indicted him under laws including the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act and requested his extradition from the Ghanaian government.

The BBC reported that if convicted of charges including fraud and money laundering, Kumi could face up to 20 years in prison.

Kumi's lawyer argued that the extradition was unconstitutional, claiming the Ghanaian government handed him over before a final court ruling and that he was denied legal assistance during the process. However, the Ghanaian government countered that he was extradited through proper legal procedures.

Recently, the U.S. government has been intensifying its crackdown on criminal organizations based in regions such as West Africa that target elderly Americans.

The BBC also reported that another Ghanaian, "Dada Joe Remix," who was arrested and extradited to the U.S. last year on charges of conducting romance scams and fake inheritance fraud against Americans, pleaded guilty last week to fraud charges amounting to $4.4 million.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.